Helps me to think of our world as composed of a variety of societies, cultures, and communities. Some overlap, some do not. So for instance, in my own town, mainstream competitive society is not all that is available.

I myself am not able to be part of the fast moving competitive mainstream culture entirely. I am an observer. I work on maintaining my own self respect and dignity, I watch how I talk to myself, I work to not put myself down for not being able to fit in.

There are so many other choices. Here there is the social justice community, various faith communities, the list is long. I dip in and out as I am able.

I think of my time alone as nurturing and work to make sure it does not slip into being isolating.

I am not alone, many many people create their own sense of community and place, many people do not feel "normal", and even "normal" is a term that is rightfully questioned. Probably the TV view of the "normal" mainstream "successful" family isn't so much the norm after all.

I also feel part of the greater whole, the human family.